Journey to Redemption: Dumping Heat Damage

In the words of rapper Rick Ross, "These [straight heat damaged pieces of hair] can't hold me back!"

...okay, so maybe he didn't say that verbatim, but I am!

If you've been keeping up to date with my hair chronicles, you'd know that I recently got my hair straightened for the first time this year a couple of weeks ago to get a trim and do a length check.
  • Good news: My hair has tremendously grown! 
  • Bad news: I HAVE HEAT DAMAGE AHHHHHH NOOOO THE DEVIL!!!!
Pro-tip: Don't go to a new stylist who has no experience with your hair for straightening. For real.

Some of the straight pieces. What's crazy is that none of the damage is on my ends. All roots.

Some more of the damage :(
So yeah, I've started a new and improved hair regimen to bring my hair back to health (check out the first installation of said new hair regimen HERE.)
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After watching [too many] YouTube videos and reading [far too many] articles on caring for my hair, I have to decided to go big or go home with bi-weekly protein treatments with ApHogee's highly renowned protein treatment. It's been said their 2-Step Protein Treatment and Balanced Moisturizer are godsends for any and every damaged hair follicle.
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I got the dynamic duo at Sally's and tried it out today, here's my lowdown of the whole process:
  1. I shampooed twice with Shea Moisture's JBCO Strenghten, Grow & Restore Shampoo and the Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo. Both of these are the BOMB. 
    2. I love these things so much!!!
    1.  
  2. I applied the protein treatment to my squeaky clean hair in sections, focusing on the damaged areas and combing the product through with a WIDE toothed comb to equally distribute it. DO THIS BEFORE YOUR HAIR GETS HARD! 
    3. Don't rush this part, be cautious and take your time.
    1.  
  3. I blow dried my hair without touching it for about 15 minutes until my hair was "solid as a rock." It felt like a legit brillo pad, y'all! DON'T TOUCH YOUR HAIR!!!
    4. You can also use a hooded dryer. I opted not to.
    1.  
  4. After my hair was completely dry, I rinsed the protein out of my hair. I just put my head under the faucet and let the water run for a couple of minutes before running my hands through, just to be safe. 
  5. I then applied the second step, which is the balancing moisturizer. But, wanting to have maximum hydration after that hardcore protein, I mixed their moisturizer with: Soft Sheen Carson Optimum deep conditioning masque, Hask Naturals repairing hair masque, my beloved Aussie 3-minute Moist miracle, and the TRESemmé Naturals Replenishing conditioner. 
    6. Together, they are THE AVENGERS (of hair)!!!
    1.  
  6. I steamed with my Q-Redew (read/watch my review HERE) while the conditioning cocktail was still on, to open my hair cuticle and increase the amount of moisture that my stranded soak up.
    7. All I need in this life of sin, is me and my Q-Redew.
    1.  
  7. I left the conditioning cocktail on for about an hour or so (I'm really big on keeping my hair moist), and walah! That is my new wash day regimen! Protein treatments every other week, deep conditioning/steam treatments every week, and smart styling in between. I'll keep you all updated on my road to redemption!
    8. Me with the conditioning cocktail in my hair.
    1.  
    2. P.S. This was my amount of shed hair







Until next time,
Si

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